SQUARES: Make 25 MC and 24 CC each for front and for back.
Ch 6, join with sl st to form a ring.Rnd 1: Sc in ring, ch 5, * 3 dc in ring, ch 3, repeat from * twice, end 2 dc in ring, sl st in 2nd ch of ch-5. Rnd 2: Ch 2, * make (2 dc, ch 3, 2 dc) in ch-sp, dc in each of next 3 dc, repeat from * twice, end (2 dc, ch 3, 2 dc) in ch-sp, dc in each of next 2 dc, sl st in 2nd ch. Fasten off.

JOINING: Right sides together, with MC sl st tog through front lps of both pieces. Join in checkerboard pattern as shown, then join front and back around three sides in same manner, insert pillow and sew opening closed.